Serbia is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. From its beautiful landscapes to its delicious cuisine, there is so much to discover. Let’s explore some riddles about this Balkan nation and uncover the answers!
Geography
Riddle 1
I’m a long river that flows through Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Over 300 miles long, I’m an important shipping route and hydroelectric power source for the region. What am I?
Answer: The River Danube
Riddle 2
We are the second highest mountains in Serbia, home to the largest gorge in Europe. Skiers love our snowy slopes in winter. What are we?
Answer: Stara Planina (The Balkan Mountains)
Riddle 3
I’m Serbia’s largest lake, nestled between the country’s northwest mountains. Anglers prize my waters for carp and catfish. What am I?
Answer: Lake Palić
History
Riddle 4
I’m an imposing medieval fortress in southern Serbia that was the site of a famous battle between the Ottoman and Habsburg Empires in 1716. What am I?
Answer: Petrovaradin Fortress
Riddle 5
Serbian revolutionary leaders launched their revolt against the Ottoman Empire at my former grounds in 1804. Today a monument stands where I once was. What historic site am I?
Answer: Orašac Assembly
Riddle 6
Built starting in 1521, I’m a monumental Orthodox church decorated with magnificent mosaics and frescoes in Belgrade. Which famous Belgrade landmark am I?
Answer: Church of Saint Sava
People
Riddle 7
This famous scientist born in Vojvodina in 1856 pioneered the use of alternating electric currents and held over 300 patents. Who is he?
Answer: Nikola Tesla
Riddle 8
I’m a tennis superstar from Serbia who has won over 80 singles titles including 20 Grand Slam championships. Widely considered among the greatest players of all time, what is my name?
Answer: Novak Djokovic
Riddle 9
This acclaimed film director and producer from Serbia is known for visually stunning films like Time of the Gypsies, Underground, and Black Cat, White Cat. Who is he?
Answer: Emir Kusturica
Food & Drink
Riddle 10
We’re plump, paprika-seasoned sausages that are a specialty in parts of Serbia. Stuff cabbage rolls with us or grill us up with kajmak for a savory, satisfying meal. What are we called?
Answer: Sremska sausage
Riddle 11
I’m a thick porridge made from cornmeal that is usually served with kajmak cream and assorted roasted and grilled meats. Beloved in Serbia, what am I called?
Answer: Polenta
Riddle 12
Widely considered Serbia’s national drink, I’m a refreshing and potent fruit brandy typically made from plums. What am I?
Answer: Šljivovica (plum rakia)
Culture
Riddle 13
Nestled in the mountains of western Serbia, I’m an important center of Serbian art and spirituality dating back to the Middle Ages that is home to 16th century churches covered in amazing frescoes. What historic complex am I?
Answer: Studenica monastery
Riddle 14
I’m a lively traditional men’s dance from Serbia characterized by squatting and kicking moves. Colorful costumes with bells are often worn by performers of this dance. What am I?
Answer: Kolo dance
Riddle 15
We’re ornate red embroidery techniques originating from Serbia that are used to decorate traditional dresses, accessories, textiles and more throughout the Balkans. What type of embroidery are we?
Answer: Pirot carpet style embroidery
Music & Entertainment
Riddle 16
Nicknamed the “Paganini of the accordion”, I gained fame for pieces fusing Balkan and Romani music with jazz and classical influences on my signature instrument. Who am I?
Answer: Bora Dugić
Riddle 17
I’m a high-energy brass band musical style originating from Serbia that features trumpets, saxophones, accordions, drums and more. What am I called?
Answer: Balkan Brass Band music
Riddle 18
Held annually at the Petrovaradin Fortress, I’m Serbia’s largest music festival known for showcasing major international pop, rock and electronic acts. What’s the name of this iconic event?
Answer: Exit Festival
Nature
Riddle 19
Located in eastern Serbia, I’m a breathtaking gorge carved by the Nišava River that is considered one of the country’s most spectacular natural landmarks. What am I called?
Answer: Sićevo Gorge
Riddle 20
With wingspans over 2.5 meters, golden eagles nest among my craggy cliffs making me one of the best places to spot these majestic birds in Serbia. What national park am I?
Answer: Đerdap National Park
Riddle 21
Home to beautiful waterfalls and winding pathways, I’m a gorgeous wooded natural area near Belgrade that served as the residence of Serbian royalty over a century ago. What lush oasis am I?
Answer: Topčider Park
Cities & Towns
Riddle 22
Nicknamed the “Serbian Athens”, I’m an old city near Belgrade famous for mansions showcasing 19th century architecture and design. What’s my name?
Answer: Smederevo
Riddle 23
Originally a Roman settlement, this historic east Serbian town is renowned for producing some of the country’s finest wines. What’s my name?
Answer: Negotin
Riddle 24
Set along the Danube river, this industrial city located between Belgrade and Novi Sad played a pivotal role during World War II due to its oil refinery. What city am I?
Answer: Pančevo
Sports & Games
Riddle 25
This strategic board game with simple rules originated in Serbia centuries ago. Today, international tournaments are held for this game sometimes called “Serbian chess”. What is it called?
Answer: D ijaboló (Devil’s Trictrac)
Riddle 26
I’m a popular outdoor bowling game similar to bocce that is commonly played in parks across Serbia usually with balls made from metal. What traditional Serbian pastime am I?
Answer: Boćanje
Riddle 27
First held in 1924 on St. Vitus Day, I’m Serbia’s largest and most prestigious cycling stage race that now draws top competitors from around the world. What race am I?
Answer: Tour of Serbia
Inventions
Riddle 28
Credited to Serbian-American inventor Mihajlo Pupin in the early 1900s, I greatly extended the range of long distance telephone communication by strengthening weak signals. What device am I?
Answer: Pupin coil
Riddle 29
Zorannah Blass from Serbia secured patents in the 1970s for these practical devices that aid people struggling with buttons and zippers by reducing hand dexterity needed. What invention am I describing?
Answer: Magnetic buttons/zippers
Riddle 30
Invented by Serbian scientist Milutin Milanković, I’m a mathematical model describing Earth’s long term climate fluctuations based on variances in solar radiation due to orbital changes. What theory am I?
Answer: Milankovitch cycles
Government
Riddle 31
Located on Andrićev Venac street, this ornate 19th century edifice with twin towers houses the National Assembly legislature of Serbia. What historic building am I?
Answer: House of the National Assembly
Riddle 32
Before becoming the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, I was built in 1884 as the longtime home of Count Ignjat Nikolić. What famous palace am I?
Answer: The Old Palace
Riddle 33
Completed in 1906, this stately office building on Nemanjina Street in Belgrade houses the ministries and bureaucracy of the Government of Serbia. What is it called?
Answer: The Palace of Serbia
Geography
Riddle 34
I’m a city located where the Tamnava River meets the Kolubara River, an area rich in coal deposits that led to this city becoming an industrial center in Serbia. What city am I?
Answer: Lazarevac
Riddle 35
Nicknamed the “Serbian Machu Picchu, I’m a medieval fortress overlooking the Danube river that likely served as a customs checkpoint to levy river tolls on passing ships. What place am I?
Answer: Golubac Fortress
Riddle 36
I’m a gorgeous limestone gorge located in eastern Serbia near the Bulgarian border named for a narrow passage along my cliffs called Wolf’s Passage. What natural area am I?
Answer: Lazar’s Canyon
History
Riddle 37
Dating back over 7000 years, I’m one of the oldest copper mines located near Bor still in operation today. What is this historic Serbian site called?
Answer: Majdanpek mine
Riddle 38
Built by the Ottomans after they captured Belgrade in 1521, I’m a stone tower in Kalemegdan Park housing an observation deck with panoramic views of the area’s landscape and rivers. What landmark am I?
Answer: Nebojša Tower
Riddle 39
This pivotal 1806 battle led by Karađorđe against the Ottomans marked the First Serbian Uprising leading to temporary liberation from the Empire. What clash am I?
Answer: Battle of Mišar
Culture
Riddle 40
First documented in the 15th century, I’m a traditional men’s hat from parts of Serbia featuring a rounded top and the coat of arms on front. Farmers often wore me in fields. What cap am I?
Answer: Šajkača cap
Riddle 41
Worn by Serbian peasant women historically, we’re colorful hand-embroidered footwear consisting of knitted wool socks, a vamp cover, and an embroidered velvet top. What are we called?
Answer: Opanak shoes
Riddle 42
Popular across former Yugoslavia including Serbia, this winter jacket with wool lining and detachable sleeves originated as a military garment. I’m commonly seen during cold months in urban areas. What jacket am I?
Answer: Šajkača coat
Cities & Towns
Riddle 43
Founded in the third century BC, this southeast Serbian city was among the first Celtic settlements in the Balkans before becoming part of the Roman Empire. What historic place am I?
Answer: Zaječar
Riddle 44
Located near eastern Serbia’s largest lake, this city’s name translates to “flower” in Serbian. Local agricultural products like berries and honey are produced around this area. What pleasant sounding locale am I?
Answer: Negotin
Conclusion
We’ve covered a wide range of intriguing riddles touching on Serbia’s geography, history, culture, foods, inventions and more! From towering mountains to electrifying music festivals, complex folk dances to delectable sausages, Serbia offers amazing diversity. Understanding a country’s riddles provides a playful way to unlock deeper insights. Hopefully you’ve discovered some hidden gems about this incredible nation!
